The Bangladesh Financial Intelligence Unit (BFIU) has frozen the bank accounts of SK Trims and Industries, a publicly traded company allegedly owned by the family of former National Board of Revenue (NBR) official Matiur Rahman. This action follows court orders and a recommendation from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), as disclosed today on the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) and Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) websites.
Key Figures and Investigation
Media reports indicate that MA Kaium Howlader and Md Nurul Huda, brothers of Matiur Rahman, hold significant positions in SK Trims, serving as Managing Director and Sponsor Director, respectively. The ACC is currently probing Matiur Rahman’s assets on allegations of amassing illegal wealth.
On July 11, a Dhaka court mandated the freezing of 116 bank accounts and 23 beneficiary owner (BO) accounts, along with the seizure of multiple properties belonging to Matiur Rahman and his family.
Company Disclosure and Response
In a recent disclosure, SK Trims confirmed that the Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court and the BFIU had frozen all their bank accounts based on the ACC’s recommendation. Efforts to reach Md Riaz Haider, the company secretary, and Md Nazmul Hossain, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for comments were unsuccessful.
According to SK Trims’ annual report for 2022-23, the company maintains over a dozen bank accounts across various banks, including fixed deposit receipts (FDRs), loans, and other accounts critical for its business operations.
Stock Market Performance and Financial Impact
SK Trims was listed on the stock exchange in 2018, raising Tk30 crore through an initial public offering (IPO) to expand its business. The company’s share price has fluctuated significantly following allegations against Matiur Rahman. From Tk27.6 per share on June 20, it fell to Tk24.4 on July 2, then briefly rose to Tk27 on July 9, before declining again, closing at Tk24.8 on the DSE yesterday.
Business Operations and Investments
SK Trims specializes in manufacturing various products for the export-oriented garment industry, including sewing thread, elastic, poly, cartons, photo cards, backboards, barcodes, hang tags, tissue paper, and gum tape.
The company has invested Tk17 crore in seven companies as of June 30, 2023. Among these, Dominage Steel Building Systems, Mamun Agro Products, Acme Pesticides, and Asiatic Laboratories are listed on the bourses, while Anik Trims, B Brothers, and Banbiz (Pvt) remain non-listed. It is unclear whether SK Trims has sold or still holds shares from these investments.
Revenue and Profit Growth
SK Trims reported a 40% increase in revenue to Tk92 crore for the first nine months of the 2023-24 fiscal year, with net profit soaring by 86% to Tk8.81 crore. These figures surpassed the company’s annual revenue and profit of Tk88.75 crore and Tk7.97 crore, respectively, for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The company paid a 3% cash dividend to its shareholders in FY23 and its shares are currently trading in the B category.
As of June 30, sponsor-directors held 31.23%, institutional investors 28.86%, and the general public 39.91% of the company’s shares.
Industry Concerns
Ziaur Rahman, General Secretary of the Benapole Landport Importers and Exporters Association, expressed concerns over the significant losses traders face with perishable food products due to halted trade services. “Since the goods trucks cannot enter after the evening, the trade deficit will increase,” he noted.
